Fahrdynamische Analyse und Optimierung eines neuartigen Leichtbaudrehgestells für Güterwagen; 1. Auflage

RWTH Publications (RWTH Aachen)

Abstract

This thesis presents an innovative bogie design for freight wagons, developed by two British engineers. A special feature of this design is the bogie frame, which is constructed from glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP). The frame is engineered to be flexible, enabling it to perform the suspension function. Thanks to the inherent damping properties of the material, additional damping components should largely not be required. This approach offers the potential for substantial weight savings. This work addresses three main research questions: 1. Which improvements are required to fulfil crucial normative requirements regarding the running behaviour? 2. Is it possible to ensure that these requirements are met for a wide range of parameters due to technical tolerances or operational conditions? 3. Is the design suitable for offering additional technical and economic benefits for rail freight transport compared to the state of the art? To answer these questions, a multi-body model of a freight vehicle equipped with two of the bogies to be analysed was created. This was based on technical drawings, calculations and laboratory tests of single components. This model facilitated a comprehensive characterisation of the vehicle’s dynamic behaviour. Suitable measures for eliminating technical deficits could be deduced subsequently. To ensure consistent running behaviour across a wide range of operational scenarios, the impact of numerous disturbance factors was systematically analysed. This also allows the identification of sensitive model parameters and the estimation of the influence of further modifications and optimisations due to the ongoing development process. Finally, an evaluation was conducted to determine whether the running gear offers additional benefits for rail freight transports. Therefore, representative operating points were identified, and the wear characteristics along with other properties were compared to the market-dominant Y25 design. The analyses carried out confirm the high potential of the innovative bogie design. After improving the vehicle system dynamics, the running gear fulfils all requirements, both on straight tracks and in curves. There are, in fact, operational scenarios where the anticipated higher manufacturing costs can be offset within the typical service lifetime. Hence, an overall economic advantage can be provided for freight train operators.

Authors 1

1. Paul Schönhuber corresponding Aachen

   RWTH Aachen University

   Affiliation as printed

   RWTH Aachen